Ever wondered what it takes to ditch the cubicle and become a full-time girl boss? Our Student Spotlight Series interviews our students who have made the transition from 9-5 to remote CEOs!
From what inspired them to start their own business, their favorite podcasts, go-to morning routine, advice to aspiring girl bosses, and so much more!
Today, we’re sitting down with our student Hannah Phillips, Founder of Dear Brunch Design! Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Hannah gives us a glimpse into her girl boss journey…
Q: What type of online business do you own and what services do you offer?
I’m the Founder of Dear Brunch Design, where I offer branding and website design services to female entrepreneurs. I create beautiful identities that help elevate growing businesses!
Q: What inspired you to enroll in the Bucketlist Bombshells Academy?
I enrolled in the Work Online and Travel the World Course because I needed guidance on how to run an online business.
“When it came to creating and running an online business, I had no idea where to start and had so many questions.”
Q: How has the course helped you to become an online business owner?
The Work Online and Travel the World Course skyrocketed me into running a successful business by providing a great foundation. It helped me understand the things I needed to think about when it comes to being a business owner.
Q: What type of job were you working in prior to running your own online business?
Prior to running Dear Brunch Design, I was a full-time student. I graduated college and dove right into running my own business!
Q: How long did it take you to ditch your 9-5, and how much time did you dedicate in order to make it happen?
I dedicated eight hours a day to learning everything within the course.
“I finished the Work Online and Travel the World Course in two weeks!”
Q: How long was it until you landed your first client online?
I finished the Work Online and Travel the World Course in June of 2019, and by July 2019, my studio was fully booked with four clients!
Q: What has been your biggest setback, and how did you overcome it?
So far, my biggest setback has definitely been my mindset. It’s still a work in progress, but I overcome it by reminding myself that this is exactly what I’m supposed to be doing.
“I have all of the tools I need to be successful!”
Q: What was the final push in your story to get you to ditch that 9-5 job?
For me, the final push was right before I graduated college. Instead of getting a 9-5 after graduation, I made the decision to start my business and pursue it full time. It was terrifying, but I had so much support from my friends and family.
Q: Tell us what a “day in the life” looks like for you now that you’re running your own online business!
I usually wake up, get ready, and find a coffee shop nearby. From there, it’s a lot of calls, designing, and re-designing. It’s truly a dream come true!
“I have the freedom to work from anywhere and plan my day around my to-do list, which is such a blessing.”
Q: What’s the most challenging part about running your online business?
The most challenging part about running my online business is having to wear all the hats. When you’re a solopreneur, you have to think about everything – from the business side, the clients, marketing, design, etc. It can be really overwhelming and challenging at times.
Q: How do you stay inspired and motivated to run your online business?
It’s such a simple answer, but I remind myself how cool of a job this is! I’m living out my dream career!
My clients are definitely my motivation. The friendship and relationships that I’m able to build gives me so much joy and motivation!
Q: What is your process for finding and landing clients online?
Mostly, I connect with prospective clients inside of female entrepreneur Facebook groups. I also utilize Instagram, Pinterest, and email marketing to attract clients.
Q: What do you love most about the work you do and the clients you work with?
I love designing. It’s my passion! The days I get to design for my clients are some of my best days. It’s so relaxing and brings me so much joy to bring a vision to life.
My clients are some of the best people I’ve met! Being able to build relationships and exceed my clients’ expectations is such a blessing. Not everyone gets the opportunity to work with such driven and motivated individuals.
“Being able to work alongside my clients and take care of their design needs makes for such a great experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything!”
Q: What’s the best part about being your own boss?
The best part about being my own boss is having the freedom to make decisions.
“Being my own boss has helped me build integrity, leadership, and self-awareness.”
Q: What is your favorite destination to work remotely from?
So far, the beach is my favorite place to work from. It’s so nice to be able to work for a few hours and take a break to go for a beach-side stroll.
Q: What is one of your favorite business books that you would recommend to another girl boss?
Currently, my favorite business book is Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy by Martin Lindstrom.
It takes such an interesting look at consumers, why we are drawn to certain products, and what actually makes us purchase. It really is so interesting and gave me so much insight into a consumer’s mind.
Q: What’s your go-to favorite podcast that you’d recommend to other girl bosses?
My go-to is Jenna Kutcher’s Goal Digger Podcast! She’s so upbeat and gives great marketing tips.
Q: What is your number one piece of advice for aspiring Bucketlist Bombshells?
Success doesn’t happen overnight! If you’re not landing clients right now, that’s okay! Don’t give up.
